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Earthwatchers worked in the pristine wilderness of Nova Scotia, Canada, where endless miles of unspoiled forest roll to the rocky shoreline.

This beautiful setting is one of the world’s temperate ecosystems, where most of us in the industrialized world live. These ecosystems face constant threat from human activities like logging and agriculture. Conserving our environment while also benefiting from it poses a huge challenge—especially in the context of global climate change, which may lead many species to disappear forever.

While studying the mammals of Nova Scotia, experts and volunteers examined how environmental pressures are shaping animal populations, and how we can best manage our natural resources in the face of these pressures. They worked with some of North America’s most iconic species. On some days they trapped and recorded data on chipmunks to assess the effects of climate change on hibernating species. On other days, they tracked the movements and behavior of porcupines, deer, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, and bears. This research was aimed at understanding how best to live with the species that compete with us for crops, timber, and basic living space.

Lead scientists

Accommodations and food

Why the research is important

Why the research was important

Nature gives humans so much, from food and water to income and temperature regulation. Climate change is already reshaping these crucial services.

This expedition provided a truly rare opportunity—the chance to help untangle the connections among a variety of plant and animal species in one wild environment.

Nova Scotia’s forests, like other forests around the world, are hugely important to the health of the living things in and around them. Forests take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, which we obviously all depend on. The wild lands of Nova Scotia also provide food and shelter to a wealth of wildlife. However, Nova Scotia’s biodiversity is under threat from climate change and from human–wildlife conflicts over resources like crops and timber. To keep at-risk species thriving, researchers must monitor habitats like these forests over the long term to gain a thorough understanding of how they work and change.

Volunteers tracked wildlife.

But why does biodiversity matter? Why do we need to protect the many forms of life in the forests of Nova Scotia and other fragile ecosystems? Losing species diminishes the richness of the world around us because it means the fabric of life begins to unravel and weaken—often in ways we cannot immediately see, but that will ultimately cost us money, health, and happiness.

About the research area

Nova Scotia, Canada, North America & Arctic

The sea is always nearby in Nova Scotia; the province is almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The region has a strong fishing and shipping heritage. Earthwatchers visited the old town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with attractions that include many beautifully preserved colonial buildings and whale-watching tours. They also explored the area’s beautiful provincial parks and wilderness areas, where moose, black bears, and seals can be spotted.

The research took place near Cook’s Lake, a rural area in the midst of woodlands, meadows, and a berry orchard, and the coastal hamlet of East Port Medway, home to quiet beaches and abundant wildlife. The closest settlement is Liverpool, a town with a rich seafaring history and a number of pubs, cafés, boutiques, and grocery stores.

Nova Scotia, Canada

Daily life in the field

Itinerary

You join this expedition for one or two weeks - whatever fits you best.

Day 1: Arrival

Days 2–3: Introductions and training

Days 4–6: Fieldwork

Day 7: One-week team members depart; two-week team members visit a local town, museums, and attractions, etc.

Day 8: New one-week team members arrive; fieldwork

Days 9–12: New team members get oriented; fieldwork

Day 13: Data analysis, visit to Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

Day 14: Departure

Earthwatchers spent days and nights full of learning opportunities, field research, and chances to experience the region’s natural beauty. On fieldwork days, they worked on each research task for about two hours at a time, typically focusing on two tasks in the morning and two others in the afternoon. Experienced researchers. They also conducted animal observations in the morning and evening—an experience that was both scientifically valuable and entertaining.

On Friday of each week, the teams discussed the data the team has collected. Over the course of the expedition, they learned how to estimate the size of small mammal populations from trapping results and how to interpret the results of field sign transects, camera trapping, and direct observations of animals. This hands-on experience culminated in a discussion of possible solutions to conservation issues.

The Scientists

Small mammal trapping with Dr. Buesching.

MEET THE LEAD SCIENTIST

Christina

Buesching

Senior Research Associate, Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford University

ABOUT Christina Buesching

Dr. Christina Buesching is a behavioral ecologist who's research centers around the questions of why animals behave the way they do, how animals modify their behavior to accommodate changing environmental conditions, and how animals communicate their behavioral intentions to others.

MEET THE OTHER SCIENTISTS

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Single and couples rooms

Wireless Internet

Home-cooked meals

The team will stay in two traditional Nova Scotian fisherman’s-style cottages next to each other in the picturesque village of Cherry Hill. The cottages have four and three bedrooms, all with twin beds. They also have kitchens, comfortable lounges, decks, and gardens to enjoy in your leisure time.

Each day, the team will eat breakfast at the cottages and will then pack bag lunches to take into the field. We may eat dinner back at the cottages or barbeque out at the research site. The Earthwatch scientists or a local cook will prepare meals, mostly using fresh ingredients from local farms.

“Nova Scotia”

I did this with my grandson 3 summers ago. He was 10 at the time. It opened his eyes to what he could do. His grades went from C's to A's and while he is not sure what he wants to do, he knows he can do whatever he sets his mind to. Thanks both Cris's

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Claire Doe|Friday, February 07, 2014

“Wonderful Nova Scotia”

My two weeks in Nova Scotia were unforgettable. PI's Chris and Christina looked after us wonderfully in the Fisherman's-style cottages at Cherry Hill.

We spent most of our time at the research area, Cook's Lake Reserve, setting small mammal traps in various habitat types as well as setting camera traps, carrying out GPS mapping and field sign transects. On two occasions whilst the men constructed a board walk the ladies did some impressive path clearing!

As well as the data collection we were treated to a fabulous coastal walk on our first day and during the fortnight visited Kejimkujik National Park and Thomas Radall Provincial Park where we tested out our newly acquired field skills.

The scenery and coastal areas were stunning and it was wonderful to be given the opportunity to enjoy it accompanied by two very knowledgeable, and fun, guides.

Other activities included a recreational day in Lunenburg which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an evening spotting beavers and a BBQ.

Most evenings, after a delicious meal cooked by Chris, we would have a lecture and then an early night. Although one night we did go out bat detecting.

This was an impressively organised project filled with a great variety of interesting activities. I had a fabulous time, learnt a lot and saw a lot. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this project to anyone.

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Mary Jane Davis|Thursday, February 06, 2014

“A wonderful week with Nova Scotian Mammals”

The enthusiasm and expertise of Christina and Chris was inspirational. Our cottage was quaint and though strenuous, the work was fascinating. It was amazing to see the different fauna profiles of the forest and the clearing and to work around the ever industrious racoons eager to disassemble our traps.